Episode 213: Update on Guelph’s New Central Library

For decades, Guelph has been talking about building a new Main branch of the Guelph Public Library (GPL).

Today, we're checking out the information on the New Central Library, slated to open in the autumn of 2026.

Chapter One of this quintessentially Guelph saga begins with CEO Dan Atkins sharing the history of the New Central Library Project:  how we finally got here, the advocacy and public engagement campaigns, the determination of an appropriate size, and so on.  Fun fact:  both the Old Post Office AND the old Eaton's department store were contenders!  

We learn about various GPL Partnerships and Outreach Programs from Meg Forestell-Page, Manager of Public Service.  What do Partnerships look like?  With a bigger space, what sorts of new programming might be available?

As Developmental Officer, Kirsten Bester oversees grant applications and fundraising efforts.  How much fundraising is required for our new Central Library?

Our guests field questions about history, culture, archives, smudging, fundraising, programming, the continued importance of physical books in an increasingly digital age, and much more.

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